He faces two counts of rape and abuse of a child and four counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. Each of those charges is being treated as a subsequent offense and a separate charge due to Meyer’s previous conviction of a felony sexual offense against a minor in West Palm Beach, Fla., according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s office.

Meyer is free on $2000 bail on the conditions he have no contact with the alleged victim and stay at least 100 yards away from her, the sole exception being if his duties for the Highway Department require him to drive near the girl’s home or school.

Prosecutors say Meyer was watching football with a friend and the alleged victim at their Worthington home on Oct. 28, 2012 when the friend observed him touch the girl inappropriately.

When the girl’s mother arrived home, she asked the child about the allegation, at which point the child allegedly told her mother that Meyer had touched her that night and another time, according to state police.

Meyer was arrested that night and arraigned in district court the following day. He was indicted by a Hampshire County grand jury on Jan. 29.

During the investigation, allegations that Meyer had also abused the girl between 2006 and 2009 emerged.

I am rather surprised that he is still working for the highway department. Innocent until proven guilty, I know - but it would seem prudent that he would be suspended, especially since he has had a prior conviction for the same offense.